Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has opened up about the emotional and mental health support she received during her time at Mavin Records, revealing that she only truly understood the value of a nurturing record label environment after leaving the label in 2019. The award-winning singer, who was signed to Mavin Records from 2012 to 2019 before joining Universal Music Group, emphasized that the emotional safety and camaraderie she experienced at Mavin played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. She now advises emerging artists to carefully consider the emotional and psychological support offered by record labels before signing contracts.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Tiwa Savage reflected on her journey in the music industry and how her experience at Mavin shaped her perspective. She recalled how she often turned to label boss Don Jazzy and fellow artists during moments of stress or public controversy. “Whenever there’s a controversy online, I’d run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts, and we would talk about it,” she shared. This sense of belonging and emotional safety, she noted, is something she misses in her current setup with a foreign label.
Despite her departure from Mavin Records, Tiwa Savage maintains a deep sense of connection to the label and its team. She still views Mavin as part of her extended family, acknowledging the lasting impact it had on her career and personal life. Her experience underscores the importance of emotional support systems in the music industry, particularly for artists navigating public attention and creative challenges.
As Tiwa Savage continues to thrive in her music career, her insights serve as a valuable lesson for aspiring musicians. She urges them to prioritize labels that offer not just career development, but also genuine care and emotional support. Her story highlights a growing conversation in the Nigerian music industry about the need for holistic artist development, where mental health is as important as commercial success. The future of Nigerian music may well depend on labels that nurture talent with both professionalism and compassion.
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